Another Green Monday: Avista Wraps Up In-Home Energy Audit Pilot Program for Spokane Homeowners
Homeowners in unincorporated areas of Spokane County and in the City of Spokane have until August 3 to sign-up for Avista’s professional in-home energy audit, costing as low as $49. After that date, federal funding will end for the two-year pilot program that provides specific recommendations to help Spokane County homeowners make informed decisions about actions they can take to save energy.
The pilot program is a partnership between Avista, Spokane County and the cities of Spokane and Spokane Valley. The three local governments support the audit program with Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds each received in 2010 from the US Department of Energy. Avista manages the in-home energy audit program and has matched funding from its program partners to help reduce the cost of the audit for Avista customers and as part of the company’s long-standing commitment to energy efficiency. Available funding for residents in the city of Spokane Valley has already been exhausted.
Under the program, certified auditors conduct a physical inspection of a home and its major appliances. The auditors also perform a series of diagnostic tests to uncover areas of heat loss or gain. Windows, doors, insulation, furnace, ducts and vents are checked as part of the comprehensive audit. Results and recommendations are provided in a written follow-up report. Homeowners also receive an energy efficiency kit with weatherization items, CFL bulbs and low-flow showerheads.
Reduced cost loans for energy efficiency improvements will continue to be available to any qualified residential or commercial gas or electric customers of Avista in Washington. Participating lenders include Numerica Credit Union, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, and SNAP Financial Access.
Sustainable Resources INW, an educational non-profit, is the loan coordinator and acts as a liaison between the customer, the lenders and Avista. Go here for more information about the loan program.
Learn more about Avista’s in-home energy audit program and how to sign-up for an audit HERE. Mailed applications must be postmarked by midnight August 3 and online applications must be submitted by midnight.
